Scripture Reading: Revelation 18:1-24 “The destruction of Babylon”
There is a great contrast that lies behind the scenes of this chapter. Chapter 18 describes the destruction and despair from God’s judgements. This paints an opposite picture to the celebration and joyful worship that is going on in Heaven around the throne. Throughout Revelation we see great worship that highlights the hope of Believers. There are new songs being sung. The Holy, Holy, Holy in Rev. 4, Worthy is the Lamb in Rev.5, the worship of the 24 Elders in Rev.11, the Song of the Redeemed in Rev 14, the Song of the Lamb and the Song of Moses in Rev.14. These chapters describe the expression of amazing joy and gratefulness from the Saints to the Lord God Almighty! Verses 21-23 state there will never be music heard again, trades found, or light from a lamp to shine again. These events of worship are in celebration to the saving power of God through the cross of Jesus Christ. He alone is worthy. The humbling truth is that mankind can only participate in the worship of heaven because of the work of Christ. No human deed or wisdom can earn one a place in the worship of heaven. It is through grace alone by faith alone in the work of Christ on the cross!
Call to Worship
God is For Us:
- Romans 8:31-34: 31
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be[i] against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Adoration
There is a Savior:
- 2 Timothy 1:8-10: 8
So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
There is One Gospel:
- Romans 1:16-17: 16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Response
Lord I Need You:
- Psalm 63:1-5
God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You. I thirst for You; my body faints for You in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water. 2 So I gaze on You in the sanctuary to see Your strength and Your glory. 3 My lips will glorify You because Your faithful love is better than life. 4 So I will praise You as long as I live; at Your name, I will lift up my hands. 5 You satisfy me as with rich food; my mouth will praise You with joyful lips.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, bind us together with one heart and voice leading your people in worship to magnify You through the musical offering we bring. We offer you our best knowing that it is only acceptable through the Blood of Christ. You alone are worthy, Amen.